Ariana Grande understands why “bad” fans are nervous about her casting

Ariana Grande understands why some “Wicked” fans have reservations about her role as Glinda in the film adaptation of the Tony-winning musical.

During a recent interview with the Sentimental Men podcast, Grande was asked what scared her the most after being offered the role in Universal's movie musical.

“I felt a little bit of initial nervousness or some sort of preconceived notion about what I might or might not deliver, or why I would be wrong or whatever,” Grande replied. She later noted that fans of the musical may not have recognized her from her pop songs until her casting was announced, saying, “With 'Side to Side,' I probably would have said the same thing.” I probably would have said, “Why the hell?” ” Kill me. I've waited 20 years for this. Kill me.' I would have said – as an outside fan who probably only knows '7 Rings' – I would say, 'Well, that's bullshit.' So, you know, I get it.”

Grande's casting in “Wicked” was met with mixed reactions online after it was announced in 2021. Before she became a Grammy-winning pop singer, Grande made her Broadway debut as Charlotte in 2008's “13: The Musical.” She then played Cat Valentine in the Nickelodeon shows Victorious and Sam & Cat.

Grande has spoken in the past about how the role of Glinda was a childhood dream. During her interview with the Sentimental Men podcast, she explained how she put her music career aside while filming Wicked to do justice to the character. She even became emotional while discussing the topic out loud. “When something like this happens just once in a lifetime,” she said, tears welling in her eyes, “every single second counts.”

“Wicked” is directed by Jon M. Chu, who also directed the 2021 film adaptation of “In the Heights,” and is written by Winnie Holzman and Dana Fox. The film musical will be released in two parts, with Part 1 premiering in theaters on November 22nd.

Watch Grande's full interview with the Sentimental Men podcast below: